MPT considers new cable to boost telecoms

Myanma Posts and Telecommunication is holding discussions with domestic experts about linking the country to an international submarine cable network to boost its telecoms capacity.

MPT plans to connect Myanmar to the global SEA-ME-WE 5 cable, the Minister for Communications, Posts and Telegraphs said last week.

“Outgoing and incoming telephone calls rely on the SEA-ME-WE 3 cable and other lines to Thailand and China,” U Thein Tun said. “If something happens we face difficulties. To prevent these problems we are trying to negotiate a connection to SEA-ME-WE 5,” he said at an ICT Development workshop in Yangon on August 24.

The principal of the Telecommunications and Postal Training Centre, U Kyaw Soe, said: “Internet connection speeds have already improved to 14 gigabytes since the 3G network became available. SEA-ME-WE 5 would provide a more reliable service.”

According to Yatanarpon Teleport, the 4G telecoms system is being trialled in Yangon. After the trial is assessed, services are likely to be extended to other large cities, such as Nay Pyi Taw and Mandalay.

However, the 4G network cannot be made widely available without access to the SEA-ME-WE 5 cable. When that is accomplished it would be offered to the public via the nation’s two major internet service providers, MPT and Yatanarpon Teleport, as well as smaller companies, such as Red Link Communications.